Rafael van der Vaart has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to re-join Ajax this summer.

The Holland international is currently searching for a new club after falling out of favour at Real Madrid.

He has been informed that he no longer features in future plans at the Bernabeu and is free to leave should a suitable offer materialise.

Van der Vaart only joined Real from German outfit Hamburg last summer, but endured a difficult debut season in Spain.

He is fully prepared to cut his losses and move on, but has made it clear that he will only go to one of Europe's top divisions.

He admits that his former Hamburg boss, and now Ajax chief, Martin Jol has sounded him out regarding the possibility of returning to his homeland, but the 26-year-old has no desire to discuss such a switch.

"Martin Jol has already contacted me, but I do not intend to return to my former team," Van der Vaart told reporters in Spain.

"My dream is to play in a major championship, namely England, Spain, Italy or Germany. Other proposals from abroad do not interest me."